Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen^1,, Omale James², Egwuje Rita Ikoojo², Ajayi Olugbenga Sunday²

The effects of selenium on healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer investigated in albino Wistar rats and the results were compared with that of a standard drug omeprazole. Animals were anesthetized with 50mg/kg sodium thiopental, laparotomy was performed and gastric ulcer was induced by application of 80% acetic acid to the serosal surface of stomach. Animals were then divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated with 1 ml/kg/day normal saline (NS) (p.o), group 2; 100µg/kg/day selenium (p.o) and group 3; 20mg/kg/day omeprazole (p.o). Treatment period was 10 days post ulcer induction. Assessment of ulcer healing was done on days 3, 7 and 10 respectively by measurement of ulcer area, lipid peroxidation, catalase activity and mucus secretion. Result showed that by day 7 and 10, the reduction in ulcer area was more significant in selenium and omeprazole treated (p< 0.05, 0.05) respectively. By day 7 and 10, lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in selenium and omeprazole treated as compared with NS treated (p<0.05, 0.05). Furthermore by day 3, 7 and 10, catalase activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in selenium treated as compared with NS treated. Result also showed that mucus secretion was significantly higher in selenium and omeprazole treated (p < 0.001, 0.001) compared with NS by day 7. However, by day 10, secretion in both selenium and omeprazole treated had started to decline. In conclusion, selenium accelerated ulcer healing by facilitating mucosal regeneration, reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing antioxidant activity and by altering mucus secretion response.

selenium, gastric ulcer, healing, rats